Aruwa Capital Management Fuels Fastizers' Growth with $2 Million Investment

In a significant boost to the Nigerian snack foods industry, Aruwa Capital Management , an early-stage growth equity and gender lens fund, has invested a substantial $2 million in Fastizers, a prominent confectionery manufacturer. This strategic investment marks a pivotal moment for Fastizers as it aims to cement its position as a leading player in the market.

Fastizers Expands its Horizons: From Snack Foods to a Diverse Range of Delights

Founded in 2010 by the visionary entrepreneur Deborah Lawson, Fastizers embarked on a journey to delight consumers with its delectable snack offerings. What started with a single snack option has now evolved into an impressive lineup of seven tantalizing treats. Fastizers' commitment to culinary innovation and customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind its remarkable growth.

Setting its sights on further expansion, Fastizers has initiated plans to revamp its factory operations and diversify its product portfolio. The recent acquisition of a cutting-edge, fully automated production line has propelled Fastizers into a new era of efficiency and productivity. Capable of churning out over 1,200kg of snack foods per hour, this technological marvel ensures a seamless supply of Fastizers' irresistible snacks and confectioneries to its expanding African customer base.

A Variety of Allures: Matching Additions and Extensive Coverage

Fastizers' new product offerings will seamlessly complement its existing snack range, which already boasts favorites such as Nibit, Sweetstix, and FunCookies. Leveraging its extensive distribution network, the company efficiently channels its treats through various avenues across Nigeria, making them readily accessible to snack enthusiasts in every corner of the country.

Fastizers takes great pride in its commitment to empowering local communities and driving economic growth. By sourcing over 70% of its raw materials locally, the company not only ensures high-quality ingredients but also creates employment opportunities for indigenous players along its value chain. The establishment of the state-of-the-art production facility is projected to generate 100 new jobs, further contributing to the socioeconomic advancement of Nigeria.

Moreover, Fastizers' distribution prowess has led to its products becoming available in all 31 states across Nigeria. This remarkable nationwide presence stands as a testament to the company's dedication to meeting the snacking needs of a diverse and growing consumer base.

Aruwa Capital Management: Empowering Women and Nurturing Essential Ventures

Aruwa Capital Management , a female-led investment firm with a unique gender lens approach, has emerged as the catalyst behind Fastizers' expansion. In December 2022, the firm successfully closed its first fund, surpassing its initial target of $20 million. Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, the visionary Founder and Managing Partner of Aruwa Capital Management, explained that their investment strategy involves supporting female-led startups and enterprises that cater to essential goods and services for women.

Striving for alignment with their mission, Aruwa Capital Management meticulously selected a diverse range of limited partners (LPs) who share their commitment to gender-focused investments. By combining local LPs with a profound understanding of the Nigerian business landscape and strategic investors, Aruwa Capital Management has set the stage for empowering ventures that create a positive impact in society.

As Fastizers embarks on its ambitious growth journey, Aruwa Capital Management's investment not only provides vital financial support but also symbolizes a larger movement towards driving gender equity and fostering enterprises that cater to women's needs.